About Me

Highlighter

Hi. My name is Shima.

I love stories.

I believe in the power of storytelling, and I'm interested in getting to know who people are.

And that brings me to my pen name: Highlighter.

Let me tell you the story behind it.

I am a Christian and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scripture has been a meaningful part of my life for many years. I used to teach teens in my church.

One day, we were reading Matthew 5:12-14. Jesus teaches about being the light of the world.

I asked them to name what they imagine when they hear the word “light.”

They gave me all kinds of answers: a candle, a lighthouse, a lamp, the sun, the moon, a star...

Then one boy said:

“A highlighter.”

That’s interesting.

It wasn’t the answer I expected.

I paused for a moment. Then I realized it was a brilliant answer!

A highlighter doesn't generate its own light. Its “light” doesn't appear on the page until someone picks it up and draws a line.

And when do we use a highlighter?

Usually, when we find something important. Something we don't want to forget. Something we want to come back to.

Oh, he was a genius!

That highlighter became my favorite—a reminder of agency: our ability to notice something, choose it, and give it our attention. We decide what is worth bringing into the light.

You are the one who decides what deserves your attention.

In storytelling, I want to notice the little things that might otherwise pass by unnoticed.

Maybe, as you read, you'll find something worth highlighting, too.